What sidearm should replace the U.S. M9?

[Thernlund]

If this is true, why do a great deal of agencies still carry them?

They're cheap.


-T.

 

[ugaarguy]

1. Any pistol issued to our military should be in 45acp.
2. Any pistol issued to our military will have an exposed hammer.
3. Any pistol issued to our military will have an external safety.

Any questions?

It's late, so I'm not getting on google to dig up Army and Air Force RFPs/RFIs. If you take a look at them you'll see that SFA - Striker Fired Action - is considered acceptable. At least one Air Force RFI requested .45 ACP because it was already type classified in the supply system. However, .40 S&W was type classified shortly after that RFI because the USCG is being issued SIGs in .40 S&W as part of the last big DHS pistol purchase.

The folks in the military know that they're stuck with ball ammo. They want a bigger hole, so .45 ACP or .40 S&W seem very likely as caliber choices.

The RFIs/RFPs indicate that a manual safety is still required. They also indicate that they want changeable grips to fit a wide range of hand sizes. Further they indicate that a full size and compact gun, with the compact capable of using the full size gun's mag as desirable. I believe a light rail and night sights were also requested.